Last spring, seniors reflected on their time at UC Davis and shared their post-graduate plans
By JALAN TEHRANIFAR — features@theaggie.org
When Catherine Pham transferred to UC Davis from De Anza College in Cupertino, she thought college was just a box to check — something to get through on the way to the next step. Now, two years later, she’s preparing to walk the stage, and her outlook couldn’t be more different.
“I used to think of college as just a stepping stone,” Pham said. “But now I look back at it as a time I really loved. I’ve grown so much, and I’m going to remember it for the small moments that made it meaningful.”
A San Jose native and human biology major, Pham chose UC Davis through the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program. Among all the UC campuses, Davis stood out for its strong biology department, proximity to home and its reputation as a friendly, nature-filled college town.
“It felt like the right balance,” Pham said. “Far enough to feel independent, but close enough to go home when I needed to.”
During her time at Davis, Pham joined the Pre-Dental Society (PDS), a student organization that became central to her college experience.
“I joined my first quarter here because I wanted to meet other pre-dental students,” Pham said. “Those friends became my community. I ended up loving it so much that I ran for a board position and served as publicity chair this past year.”
Pham also made space for fun and made memories she’ll never forget. Her favorite night at UC Davis was Lawntopia, a student-run music festival that brought rapper Don Toliver to the UC Davis campus.
“It wasn’t free this year, but it was still such a fun experience,” Pham said. “Getting to see an artist I love with my friends at school — that’s the kind of thing that makes Davis special. I’m really glad ASUCD does things like that.”
From biking around campus to grabbing coffee at Pachamama or sipping apple juice at the Davis Farmers Market, Pham learned to savor the slow, peaceful rhythm of life in Davis.
“It’s just such a serene town,” Pham said. “I walk through the Arboretum or across campus and there are always trees, birds, squirrels, plants. I try to take mental pictures of everything.”
Pham will be heading to LECOM School of Dental Medicine in Florida this fall — a major milestone after years of hard work and planning.
“I’m really proud of getting into dental school,” Pham said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was younger, and college was when it all started to become real.”
Before diving back into academics, though, Pham plans to take a well-deserved break.
“I just want to enjoy my life for a bit,” Pham said. “College is a big deal — it’s easy to forget that. I want to celebrate, be proud of myself and spend time with the people I care about.”
When asked what advice she’d give to future Aggies, Pham didn’t hesitate.
“Try everything,” Pham said. “Explore Davis, bike around, try different food places, go to the Arboretum, see the little botanical garden. Make small memories. And academically, especially for transfer students, understand that the quarter system can be intense. Stay on top of your work, go to class and give yourself grace.”
Looking back on her time at Davis, Pham said she’ll miss the quiet beauty of the town, the kindness of the people and the rare sense of being surrounded by others going through the same thing.
“Davis is such a good place to grow up a little,” Pham said. “There are so many like-minded people here, and it’s just a really great place to be young and figure things out.”
As she prepares for her next chapter, Pham hopes future students will learn to appreciate the time they have here — just as she did.
“Enjoy the time that you have in Davis,” Pham said. “It’s been my favorite years of my life so far.”
Written by: Jalan Tehranifar — features@theaggie.org
